Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum

Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum The museum was dedicated on February 24, 1984. The Banneker-Douglass Museum celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.
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The Banneker-Douglass Museum, named for Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass, is dedicated to preserving Maryland's African American heritage and serves as the state's official repository of African American material culture. The original museum was housed within the former Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church in the heart of historic Annapolis. The Victorian-Gothic structure was in

cluded in the Annapolis Historic District in 1971 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The recently completed BDM addition is a four-story addition which uses the nineteenth-century brick of the church's north facade as its interior lobby wall.

Throughout National Preservation Month, we’re shining a light on the FY26 AAHPP Grant Award recipients helping preserve ...
05/31/2026

Throughout National Preservation Month, we’re shining a light on the FY26 AAHPP Grant Award recipients helping preserve Maryland’s African American history for future generations. ✨

We’re honored to celebrate organizations and historic sites whose preservation efforts continue to make an impact across the state, including:

🏆 Sanaa Center Project ($250,000) – Baltimore, Baltimore City
🏆 Old Pomonkey High School ($250,000) – Bryans Road, Charles County
🏆 St. James AME Church Gravel Hill ($137,000) – Havre de Grace, Harford County
🏆 St. James Free Methodist Church ($129,000) – Quantico, Wicomico County
🏆 Chesapeake Lodge Number 48 / Jessie J. Shanks Lodge Number 137 ($250,000) – Havre De Grace, Harford County
🏆 American Hall ($115,000) – Hagerstown, Washington County
🏆 Union Street United Methodist Church ($250,000) – Westminster, Carroll County
🏆 West Liberty United Methodist Church ($170,000) – 2000 Sand Hill Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104, Howard County
🏆 Margaret Jenkins House ($226,000) – Baltimore, Baltimore City

The African American Heritage Preservation Program is co-administered by the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture and the Maryland Historical Trust.

As we close out our National Preservation Month highlights, we proudly celebrate the FY26 AAHPP Grant Award recipients and the important work happening across Maryland to preserve African American history, culture, and community stories. 📜

Happy Preservation Month, and thank you to the organizations and communities helping keep these legacies alive for future generations. 🤎

We’re Emmy-nominated! Congratulations to Maryland Public Television, Mecca Filmworks, and WETA Arts on being nominated f...
05/31/2026

We’re Emmy-nominated! Congratulations to Maryland Public Television, Mecca Filmworks, and WETA Arts on being nominated for Capital Emmys!

Two public television segments highlighting our previous exhibition, ‘Sacred Spaces’ by artist Jabari Jefferson, were nominated for . ✨

"ARTWORKS: The Art of Sacred Spaces" (MPT and Mecca Filmworks) and "WETA Arts Artist Jabari Jefferson/Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum" (WETA) were nominated for capital Emmys in the Arts/Entertainment - Long Form Content ( #312) and the Diversity/Equity/Inclusion - Short Form Content ( #317) categories, respectively.

, ’s debut museum exhibition, was curated by Martina Dodd with assistance from Exhibits Manager Leslie Rose, and it opened at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum on February 8, 2025 featuring never-before-seen works on canvas, striking sculptures, and a large-scale community installation created in collaboration with local Annapolis students and residents. Through his innovative approach to oil paint, mixed media, and augmented reality, Jefferson masterfully transformed salvaged materials, including textiles, books, soil, and clothing, into provocative artworks that challenge our notions of value and disposability.

The 68th Capital Emmy Awards ceremony is on June 20, 2026.

Watch the nominated specials on our playlist!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZswd9SZK5Y&list=PLSxnav_2WOI6fbUJL7Jhi46dI1F9KhFAV&index=19

Get the ‘Sacred Spaces' Exhibition Catalog: https://baltimorereadaloud.shop/item/aAQrhYLzGsmh0GxDqjnezA

Preserving history means protecting the stories, spaces, and legacies that connect generations. 📖🌟As part of National Pr...
05/31/2026

Preserving history means protecting the stories, spaces, and legacies that connect generations. 📖🌟

As part of National Preservation Month, we’re proud to highlight FY26 AAHPP Grant Award recipients helping preserve and uplift Maryland’s African American heritage.

🏆 Orchard Street Church ($250,000) – Baltimore, Baltimore City
🏆 Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center ($147,000) – Havre de Grace, Harford County
🏆 Frederick Douglass Summer House ($149,000) – Highland Beach, Anne Arundel County
🏆 Hopkins Educational / Community Building ($250,000) – Highland, Howard County
🏆 Galilee United Methodist Cemetery ($38,000) – Mechanicsville, St. Mary’s County
🏆 Mander House Museum ($250,000) – Worton, Kent County
🏆 Boys’ Village of Maryland Cemetery ($200,000) – Cheltenham, Prince George’s County
🏆 John Howard House ($250,000) – Brookeville, Montgomery County
🏆 Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms ($226,000) – Preston, Caroline County

The African American Heritage Preservation Program is co-administered by the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture and the Maryland Historical Trust.

Learn more about these historical sites: https://mdhistoricaltrust.wordpress.com/2026/02/02/announcing-the-fy2026-african-american-heritage-preservation-program-awardees/

Follow along as we continue celebrating preservation efforts happening across Maryland and the communities keeping these important stories alive.

Join us for the Senegal Send Off Community Event on June 27th as we come together to celebrate, connect, and honor this ...
05/29/2026

Join us for the Senegal Send Off Community Event on June 27th as we come together to celebrate, connect, and honor this meaningful cultural exchange as the students of the BDTM Youth and Arts Leadership Program prepare to travel to Senegal!

This special gathering will bring community members together in preparation for an impactful journey and shared experience rooted in heritage and connection.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, Jun 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, 84 Franklin St, Annapolis, MD 21401

Throughout the evening, our students will share what they've learned throughout the year, from history and heritage to music and movement. Experience drumming and dancing workshops by Ni Dembaya, delicious food tastings, dazzling fashion spotlights, and so much more—all guided by the energy and vision of our youth.

Register here: https://bit.ly/BDTMSenegalSendOff

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum honors the life and legacy of Betty Ann Mack, a devoted leader, historian, advocate,...
05/29/2026

The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum honors the life and legacy of Betty Ann Mack, a devoted leader, historian, advocate, and community servant whose impact will continue to inspire generations to come. 🕊️

From roots in Chicago, Illinois and Crenshaw, Mississippi to becoming valedictorian at both Wonder High School and Tougaloo College and serving as one of the first African American social workers in Annapolis, Maryland, Betty dedicated her life to excellence, service, and uplifting others. Her distinguished career with the federal government spanned more than 30 years, culminating in her role as Chief Personnel Officer for the Department of the Army’s 902nd Division, where she oversaw more than 60,000 civilian employees across the East Coast.

Beyond her professional achievements, Betty remained deeply committed to preserving African American history and culture. As a co-founder of the North Arundel Cultural Preservation Society, she helped document and elevate the stories of African American communities in Northern Anne Arundel County through research, exhibitions, and the co-authored publication, Trails, Tracks, Tarmac: Lives of African Americans in the History & Culture of Northern Anne Arundel County, Maryland from 1850 to the Present. Her dedication to preserving and uplifting Black history leaves a lasting impact that aligns deeply with the mission of the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum.

In June 1958, Betty married the late Theodore Herbert Mack, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 66 years. Together, they built a legacy grounded in faith, service, and commitment to family and community. In honor of her enduring commitment to history, culture, and education, contributions may be made to the Ted Mack Museum Visionary Fund in support of the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, which Mrs. Mack was instrumental in the creation of this fund, honoring the life and work of her husband.

We extend our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all whose lives were touched by her remarkable spirit. 💐

BDTM Collections Spotlight for ✴️Today, we’re highlighting one of the photographs found inside the Abigail R. Cook Bib...
05/26/2026

BDTM Collections Spotlight for ✴️

Today, we’re highlighting one of the photographs found inside the Abigail R. Cook Bible (FIC 2026.2). While more research is needed to learn about the Bible’s owner and the individuals pictured, staff at the Maryland State Archives helped us identify this gentleman as a veteran of the American Civil War.

You can see hand-drawn markings on his coat, shirt, and face, along with a blue tint added to his trousers. These details were likely painted by the photographer to better distinguish the sitter and indicate information about his military rank.

An MSA staff member also noted that this photograph was probably taken a few years after the war, as our soldier appears to have grown just a bit too wide in the middle to comfortably fit back into his uniform!

The Abigail Cooke Bible, along with other items in our collection, can be found online at https://bannekerdouglass.pastperfectonline.com.

05/25/2026

In May of 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina, freed enslaved people gathered to give a proper burial to more than 250 Union soldiers to honor them for fighting for their freedom.

According to Blight’s 2001 book "Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory," this tribute “gave birth to an American tradition." Blight goes on to say, "The war was over, and Memorial Day had been founded by African Americans in a ritual of remembrance and consecration.”

Today, we not only recognize the fallen men and women in uniform who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedoms, we also honor the freed enslaved people who paved the way for what we now observe as Memorial Day.

Photo: An April 1865 photo of the graves of Union soldiers buried at the race course-turned-Confederate-prison where historians believe the earliest Memorial Day ceremony took place. From: Civil war photographs, 1861-1865, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division

This National Preservation Month, BDTM and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture are proud to re...
05/23/2026

This National Preservation Month, BDTM and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture are proud to recognize FY26 AAHPP Grant Award recipients preserving Maryland’s African American history and cultural heritage. 📜

We’re honored to celebrate the FY26 AAHPP Grant Award recipients, including:

🏆 Catoctin Furnace African American Cemetery ($73,000) – Thurmont, Frederick County
🏆 Chew’s Memorial Church and Cemetery ($135,000) – Harwood, Anne Arundel County
🏆 Sumner Cemetery ($45,000) – Cumberland, Allegany County
🏆 Point of Rocks Colored Cemetery ($129,000) – Point of Rocks, Frederick County
🏆 Charles Sumner Lodge No. 25, GAR ($40,000) – Chestertown, Kent County
🏆 Goshen Farm ($51,000) – Annapolis, Anne Arundel County

The African American Heritage Preservation Program is co-administered by the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and the Maryland Historical Trust.

Learn more about these historical sites: https://mdhistoricaltrust.wordpress.com/2026/02/02/announcing-the-fy2026-african-american-heritage-preservation-program-awardees/

Follow along throughout May as we continue celebrating preservation efforts happening across Maryland and the communities keeping these important stories alive.

Save the Date! 🗓️Join the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture for its upcoming public meeting on J...
05/22/2026

Save the Date! 🗓️

Join the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture for its upcoming public meeting on June 1, 2026. Attendees will hear updates on upcoming initiatives, engage with featured speakers from the heritage and preservation community, and learn more about ongoing efforts to preserve and elevate African American history across Maryland.

June 2026 MCAAHC Public Meeting
🗓️ Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
📍Location: Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Register now: https://bit.ly/MCAAHCJune2026PublicMeeting

Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to connecting with you!

Check out the April 2026 Meeting Recording: https://youtu.be/qMT-uVooonw

Address

84 Franklin Street
Annapolis, MD
21401

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+14102166180

Website

http://lnk.bio/bannekerdouglasstubmanmuseum

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